Shower outflow diversion system

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a shower outflow diversion system includes a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. Another embodiment includes a method of diverting shower outflow to a location other than the shower drain in the shower floor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/153108, filed Apr. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

For water conservation, shower drain water can often be reused (orrecycled), for example, as landscape irrigation water. Shower water cantypically collect and flow without a need for a pump for a shower pan ata first elevation to a deposit location at a second, lower elevation.However, there exists a need for a shower outflow diversion system forshowers to capture and flow used shower water to the landscape, forexample, in existing homes, where below the floor plumbing isinaccessible or alterations are undesirable. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure are directing to fulfilling this and other needs.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a showeroutflow diversion system is provided. The shower outflow diversionsystem includes a collection platform having a top surface at a firstelevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness betweenthe top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a topchannel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to acollection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the firstelevation.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, ashower outflow diversion system is provided. The shower outflowdiversion system includes a collection platform having a top surface ata first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thicknessbetween the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining atop channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to acollection well having a collection platform outlet at a secondelevation lower than the first elevation; and a diversion drain systemextending from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drainsystem outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a thirdelevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of diverting shower outflow to a location other than the showerdrain in the shower floor is provided. The method includes providing ina shower a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevationand a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the topsurface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channelnetwork for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection wellhaving a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than thefirst elevation; the base surface at the same elevation as the showerfloor; and draining outflow from the collection platform outlet to adiversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outletis at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the secondelevation.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, thecollection platform may include a plurality of collection platform tiersstacked on top of one another.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, thecollection platform tiers may be selected from the group consisting of acollection platform tier, a base tier, and an intermediate tier.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the basesurface may have a bottom channel network.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the basesurface may have a gripping surface.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the showeroutflow diversion system may further include a drain cover positionableon top of the top channel network.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the draincover may be perforated.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the topchannel network may include an over-spray collection network and acollection well.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, theover-spray collection network may be sloped toward the collection well.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, thecollection well may include a filter.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the showeroutflow diversion system may further include a diversion drain diversiondrain system extending from the collection platform outlet to adiversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outletis at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the secondelevation.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, at least aportion of the diversion drain system may include a flexible portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, at least aportion of the diversion drain system may include an inlet portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the inletportion may include a tapered inlet end.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the inletportion may include a plurality of air intake holes.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the showeroutflow diversion system may further include one or more deflectionpanels couplable to the collection platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisdisclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same becomebetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a shower outflow diversion system in ashower in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosureincluding three tiers;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the shower outflow diversion system ofFIG. 1 including two tiers;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shower outflow diversion system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of the shower outflow diversionsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1with the drain plate removed showing the diversion drain system in thecollection well; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the shower outflow diversion system ofFIG. 1 showing the collection well filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as adescription of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter andis not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageousover other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein arenot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter tothe precise forms disclosed.

The following description sets forth one or more examples of a showeroutflow diversion system and components thereof. Generally, embodimentsdescribed herein relate to shower outflow diversion systems for waterconservation. A shower outflow diversion system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure provides the ability to capture andflow used shower water to an existing landscape, for example, inexisting homes, where below the floor plumbing is inaccessible oralterations are undesirable. The shower outflow diversion systemincludes a gravity flow system to transfer shower water to the outsidelandscape.

The shower outflow diversion system described herein may apply to showerwater or to other types of shower fluid flow. The shower outflowdiversion system may also be called a shower recycler system.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art,however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may bepracticed without some or all of the specific details. In someinstances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail inorder not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the presentdisclosure. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the presentdisclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a shower outflow diversion system 20 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acollection platform 22 for collecting shower overspray O. The collectionplatform 22 has a top surface 24 at a first elevation and a base surface26 at a second, lower elevation. In one embodiment, the base surface 26of the collection platform 22 is at the same elevation as the floor ofthe shower S (see shower floor and drain D in FIG. 4). The collectionplatform 22 has a thickness 28 between the top surface 24 and the basesurface 26 and includes a top channel network 30 defined in thethickness 28 and exposed on the top surface 24. (See top channel network30 in FIG. 3.) In the illustrated embodiment, a shallow profile topchannel network 30 can be used to achieve the minimal rise above thefront curb needed for gravity flow to a desired diversion location.

The collection platform 22 is configured for collecting over-spray Ofrom a shower S from the top surface 24 in the top channel network 30and channeling the over-spray O to a collection well 32 located at anelevation below the top surface 24. The top channel network 30 is angledso that all collected fluid flows to the collection well 32 to preventstanding water from collecting in the channels of the top channelnetwork 30. From the collection well 32, collected fluid travels out ofthe collection well outlet 36 through a diversion drain system 34 to adesired end location, such as a landscape.

As seen in the illustrated embodiments for FIGS. 1-3, the collectionplatform 22 may include a plurality of vertically stacked tiers 40, 42,and 44 to achieve gravity flow height needed to allow for fluid flow.The stack of tiers in the illustrated embodiment includes a collectionplatform tier 40, a base tier 44, and an intermediate tier 42. In somecircumstances, fluid flow may be over the top of a front curb of ashower pad or stall, thereby requiring additional gravity flow heightfor the system 20. A tiered collection platform 22 helps the system toachieve the appropriate gravity flow height for a given application.Although shown as three stacked platform tiers 40, 42, 44 (FIG. 1) andtwo stacked platform tiers 40 and 44 (FIG. 2), a system in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure may include any number oftiers, including only one platform 40.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the plurality of vertically stacked platformtiers 40, 42, and 44 of the illustrated embodiment are interlockingplatform tiers to prevent slippage between tiers. As seen in FIG. 3, thesystem 20 includes a plurality of pins 50 used to couple the stackedplatform tiers 40, 42, and 44 together. The pins 50 are received inaligned holes 52 in each of the plurality of vertically stacked platformtiers 40, 42, and 44. Other interlocking interfaces between tiers arealso within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the base surface 26 of the base tier 44 includestreads (not shown) and a channel network 54 to allow platform over-sprayto flow underneath the base-tier to the existing shower drain D. Thetreads provide a grip with the shower S floor surface when the showeroutflow diversion system 20 is being used by a user. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 4, the system 20 includes three tiers 40, 42, and 44.In an embodiment in which the system 20 includes only one tier, i.e.,collection platform tier 40, the base surface 26 of the tier 40 may beconfigured to include treads and channels for water flow and gripoptimization.

In accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, the platformtiers 40, 42, and 44 may be constructed from rigid closed cell polymermaterial with sufficient elasticity to conform to the floor of theshower S when stood upon by a user.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the system 20 includes a perforated draincover shown as a drain plate 60 for covering the top channel network 30.The drain plate 60 provides a standing platform for a user of the showerS. Perforations 62 allow for over-flow O to drain into the top channelnetwork 30 in the collection platform 22. The perforations 62 arearranged and configured to prevent standing water during or after theshower. The drain plate 60 is configured to fit within and cover theentire top channel network 30 to prevent the user from tripping on thetop channel network 30 while showering.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is an optional filter 64 positioned in thecollection well 32 to filter hair or other debris from entering thecollection well 32. In one embodiment, the filter 64 provides sufficientfiltering for use with small diameter drip tubing in the landscape. FIG.6 shows a view of the shower outflow diversion system 20 with the drainplate removed 60 and the filter 64 positioned in the collection well 32.In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter 64 is made frompolymer filter media and placed over the collection well 32. The filter64 may self-conform to the sidewalls of the collection well 32.

As seen in FIG. 3, the diversion drain system 34 of the shower outflowdiversion system 20 extends from the diversion drain system inlet at thecollection platform outlet 36 to a diversion drain system outlet 38. Toallow for the gravity flow of fluid, the diversion drain system outlet38 is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation of the topsurface 24 of the collection platform 22 and of the elevation of thecollection platform outlet 36.

The drain system 34 may be of any configuration to drain the fluid fromthe collection platform outlet 36 to the desired point of diversion. Inthat regard the diversion drain system may be sloped in elevation forgravity flow from the collection platform outlet 36 to the desired pointof fluid diversion.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the diversion drain system34 includes an inlet portion 70 coupled to collection platform outlet36, an extended diversion drain portion 68, and a diversion drain systemoutlet 38. However, other diversion drain system configurations arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 70 has a plurality ofholes 74 for top surface additional air intake and along the bottomsurface for receiving diversion drain inlet fluid flow. The inletportion 70 has a tapered inlet 76 to maximize intake flow capacity byreducing intake inflow turbulence. As the fluid flows transitions fromthe top channel network 30 to the collection well 32, the tapered inletof the inlet portion 70 of the diversion drain system outlet 38 exposesmore of the top pipe surface to inflowing fluid resulting in a lessrestrictive flow transition as compared with a straight end pipe

In one non-limiting example, at least a portion of the diversion drainsystem 34 may include flexible tubing 72 which can allow for convenientrepositioning of the diversion drain system 34. The diversion drainsystem 34 may be configured to extend through an exterior wall, forexample, to drip tubing in an outdoor landscape.

The diversion drain system 34 may include vented drains throughout thelength of the diversion drain system 34. For normal flow to landscape,no additional venting may be required. In certain situations, venting isbeneficial, for example, if flowing into an external tank system withfluctuating water level and multiple water sources. If water in the tankrises covering the discharge point, an air pocket will form against thesubmerged discharge point. Without a vent relief when the shower isused, the trapped air will restrict the inflowing fluid to the tanksystem. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least aportion of the diversion drain system 34 may have an open top channel.

Referring to FIG. 3, the shower outflow diversions system 20 may furtherinclude one or more deflection panels 80 couplable to the collectionplatform. The deflection panel 80 of the illustrated embodiment includesa bendable crease 82 for bending along a 90-degree angle, therebyproviding deflection protection on two sides of the shower outflowdiversions system 20. Tabs 84 can be received within receiving pockets(not shown) on the top surface 24 of the collection platform 22. Foradditional deflection protection height, a second deflection panel (notshown) may be stacked on top of the first deflection panel 80, with tabsof the second deflection panel to be received within receiving pockets86 on the top surface of the first deflection panel 80.

In use, shower outflow fluids can be diverted to a location other thanthe shower drain D. A collection platform 22 can be provided on a floorof a shower S, the collection platform 22 having a top surface 24 at afirst elevation and a base surface 26, the platform having a thickness28 between the top surface 24 and the base surface 26. The top surface40 defines a top channel network 30 for collecting over-spray andchanneling it to a collection well 32 having a collection platformoutlet 36 at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. The basesurface 26 can be at the same elevation as the floor of the shower S.Outflow from the collection platform 22 is piped through a diversiondrain system 34 to a diversion drain system outlet 38, wherein thediversion drain system outlet 38 is at a third elevation, lower than thefirst elevation and the second elevation.

Advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure include a portabledesign that is easily lifted, moved, assembled and/or re-assembledwithout the use of tools.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure in which an exclusive propertyor privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A shower outflowdiversion system, comprising: a collection platform having a top surfaceat a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thicknessbetween the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining atop channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to acollection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the firstelevation.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the collection platformfurther includes plurality of collection platform tiers stacked on topof one another.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the collectionplatform tiers are selected from the group consisting of a collectionplatform tier, a base tier, and an intermediate tier.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the base surface has a bottom channel network.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the base surface has a gripping surface. 6.The system of claim 1, further comprising a drain cover positionable ontop of the top channel network.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thedrain cover is perforated.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the topchannel network includes an over-spray collection network and acollection well.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the over-spraycollection network is sloped toward the collection well.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein the collection well includes a filter.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a diversion drain system extendingfrom the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet,wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lowerthan the first elevation and the second elevation.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the diversion drain systemincludes a flexible portion.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein at leasta portion of the diversion drain system includes an inlet portion. 14.The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet portion includes a taperedinlet end.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet portionincludes a plurality of air intake holes.
 16. The system of claim 1,further comprising one or more deflection panels couplable to thecollection platform.
 17. A shower outflow diversion system, comprising:a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and abase surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surfaceand the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network forcollecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well having acollection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the firstelevation; and a diversion drain system extending from the collectionplatform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein thediversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than thefirst elevation and the second elevation.
 18. A method of divertingshower outflow to a location other than the shower drain in the showerfloor, the method comprising: providing in a shower a collectionplatform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface,the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the basesurface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collectingover-spray and channeling it to a collection well having a collectionplatform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation;the base surface at the same elevation as the shower floor; and drainingoutflow from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain systemoutlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a thirdelevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.